Primary brain tumors are those originating from the brain or surrounding tissue. These tumors are much less common than secondary tumors, which occurs when a cancer metastasizes from other parts of the body or spread to the brain. While all types of cancer can perform this melanoma, and cancers of breast, colon, kidney, and lungs are the most common to metastasize to the brain.
A brain tumor is a mass or growth of abnormal cells that multiply out of control. There are different types of brain tumors. Some are benign, or non-cancerous, while others are classified as malignant, or cancerous.
The researchers could not determine exactly what causes brain tumors to form. Only a few risk factors have been documented. Exposure to radiation therapy head can put you at higher risk for developing brain tumors. Certain genetic syndromes also increase your risk. Usually, there is no clear indication about what caused the tumors to form. Research continues to determine whether mobile phones can contribute to the formation of brain tumors. At this time, there is no clear conclusion has been made linking the two.
Patients may suffer from a variety of symptoms before visiting their doctor for a diagnosis. Size, location, and tumor growth rate often determines what symptoms appear. Some of the most common symptoms may include:
- Headaches that occur more frequently and become more severe over time
- Blurred or double vision
- Hearing loss
- Unexplained nausea and vomiting
- Changes in personality
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Weakness or loss of movement in arms or legs
Benign tumors are less aggressive than malignant and usually does not spread into surrounding tissues or other parts of the body. Although they are not cancerous, benign tumors can still be very serious and possibly life threatening. If they are in important areas of the brain, putting pressure on sensitive nerve tissue, or increased pressure in the brain, these tumors can pose serious risks for patients. Benign tumors are often successfully treated with surgery, reducing the risk of patient disability or death.
There are three types of standard treatment for malignant tumors: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. New treatments continually researched and used in clinical trials around the world. For some patients, clinical trials are the best choice of treatment. Your cancer care team will make recommendations for treatment options that best suit your particular situation.